OSCARS 2016: Final Predictions

Left your Oscar ballot to the last minute? Want to show up your friends with a little friendly competition? Here’s my guide for what to expect tonight during the 88th Academy Awards.

BEST PICTURE

While The Revenant has remained the frontrunner since nominations came out six week ago, Spotlight and The Big Short have been gaining steam. My guess is it won’t quite be enough to overtake DiCaprio’s opus, but one thing’s for sure: Bridge of Spies and Brooklyn don’t stand a chance.

BEST DIRECTOR

Odds are good that Iñárritu will become the fourth person to win back-to-back Best Director trophies, although if Mad Max: Fury Road gains enough momentum through the evening, it could translate into a victory for Miller, whose cinematic vision was unrivalled last year.

BEST ACTRESS

While not as certain a winner as DiCaprio, Larson’s definitely the odds-on favourite. If there’s a dark horse, though, it’s Ronan; Brooklyn only has a few nominations, but the love for the movie is almost entirely due to her performance.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

While the nostalgia of Sylvester Stallone and the full-circle of his journey from 1976’s Rocky to last year’s Creed is expected to carry him to a victory, it may not be as foregone a conclusion as many think.

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Room could sneak a victory if voters decide raw emotion trumped clever gloss last year, but expect the Academy to reward The Big Short’s screenplay for making a notably confusing subject palatable to the general moviegoing public.

The Big Short 50%Room 25%Brooklyn 12%The Martian 9%Carol 4%

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

Inside Out (65%), Anomalisa (15%), Shaun the Sheep Movie (8%), When Marnie was There (7%), Boy and the World (5%)